MBiz

8 SPRING 2018 << CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS work on building sustained development. A constant message was not on who should be driving economic development but on building the structure for success. When the Chamber network gathered in Brandon for the 84th AGM, then-NDP MLA Kevin Chief provided a rousing speech about the work he was doing with Indigenous youth in his community. In the wake of the current Truth and Reconciliation work being done across the country, Chief, now Vice-President of the Business Council of Manitoba, returned to talk about the role business and Chambers can play in this process. He shared emotional stories of his youth, the challenges he faced, and the challenges living in poverty posed for him and pose for others who continue to live with little. He talked about the opportunities he had as he grew up and how he is working to provide the same chances to youth today. He called on our organization and the local Chambers to look at doing the same, changing perceptions and offering less fortunate youth a chance, saying we will not regret sharing of ourselves to help others. The AGM also heard from a member of the Chamber network who took on the challenge of building a new brand and external direction for our organization (highlighted in the Fall 2017 edition of MBiz magazine). Past board chair and Principal with Vantage Studios Kyle Romaniuk received the Harry Mardon Award for his contributions to our organization. MCC would like to thank our partners, along with all those who attended this year. We are looking forward to seeing you at the 88th AGM next May, when we will be hosted by the Gimli Chamber of Commerce. ■ Clockwise from top: Travel Manitoba president & CEO Colin Ferguson with branding and marketing panelists Karly McCrae, Doug Darling and Kyle Romaniuk; North Forge Technology Exchange president Jeff Ryzner; Paul Holden (left), Chuck Davidson and Judy Murphy; former MLA and current vice-president of the Business Council of Manitoba Kevin Chief. Photos by Cory Kolt

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